The Steelers made a number of roster moves today that included promoting linebacker Marshall McFadden to the active roster from the teamís practice squad. McFadden will wear No. 40.

McFadden spent the first 10 weeks of the 2012 season on the teamís practice squad. He originally was signed to the teamís offseason roster on January 18, 2012.

To make room for McFadden on the active roster, the Steelers placed linebacker Chris Carter on the teamís Reserve/Injured List with an abdominal injury. Carter saw action in eight games this season, making his first three career starts.

The Steelers also signed tight end Jamie McCoy to the teamís practice squad. McCoy will wear No. 80.

The former Lamar and S.C. State standout signed a futures/reserve contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. A futures/reserves contract is for players, who didn’t play in the NFL this year and means they can participate in all the offseason meetings and workouts.

McFadden, 6-foot-2, 237 pounds, had a workout for the Steelers last month but wasn’t signed to the practice squad. After the workout, he returned to Charlotte, N.C., where he has been training before he got the call he had been signed.

“I was kind of down because of the talent and ability that I have but I just hadn’t had the opportunity,” McFadden said. “But I have just kept my head up and kept working. I felt once I got the opportunity I would be able show my abilities and I felt good after I worked out for them.”

McFadden, an inside linebacker, was a four year starter for the Bulldogs and had 47 tackles and two sacks as a senior in 2010. He missed the entire 2009 season after getting hurt in preseason practice.

As a junior, he has 88 tackles and led the team with 11 tackles for loss.

Didn't Gruden say that Foote was the star of our Defense? Yeah, I chuckled too.

When I heard this I thought he was being sarcastic at first, then I remembered that Gruden doesn't ever say anything badly about anyone in the NFL - ever. Everyone should be playing in the Pro Bowl and they're all All-Americans.

Why the hate for Foote? He's not a "Strong" backer, but he gets to the QB and around lineman quicker than any linebacker we have AND leads the defense in tackles.

Foote is only able to get to the QB quickly because Timmons isn't being used effectively. Sure, Foote is playing decently right now, but if Timmons had a younger and quicker LB to play inside with he'd be unstoppable.

He's only effective because Timmons and Woodley are getting all the attention.

edit - I like McFadden and I think he has a high ceiling. I was a little upset when he wasn't signed to the 53 originally, but I guess better late than never.

Foote is only able to get to the QB quickly because Timmons isn't being used effectively. Sure, Foote is playing decently right now, but if Timmons had a younger and quicker LB to play inside with he'd be unstoppable.

He's only effective because Timmons and Woodley are getting all the attention.

edit - I like McFadden and I think he has a high ceiling. I was a little upset when he wasn't signed to the 53 originally, but I guess better late than never.

Those are excuses. It doesn't matter HOW he's getting the job done. He's getting it done. Woodley and Timmons are both paid significantly more than Foote, and he's outperforming them both. Foote won't be around forever, just like Farrior, but he IS doing his job, and If it ain't broke don't fix it.

Those are excuses. It doesn't matter HOW he's getting the job done. He's getting it done. Woodley and Timmons are both paid significantly more than Foote, and he's outperforming them both. Foote won't be around forever, just like Farrior, but he IS doing his job, and If it ain't broke don't fix it.

I'm not saying he's playing poorly. In fact, he's probably playing as one of the top 5 members of this defense right now, but we'll have to agree to disagree on him outplaying Timmons.